Social Work at University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,424/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #170 of 338 Social Work programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Work graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $497K $497K $477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.7x 12.7x 12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 69% 58%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,992
Out-of-state: $115,088 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,100
-80% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,137
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,424/yr, Social Work graduates from University of Arkansas land near the $36,554 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 12.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$35,424 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #170 out of 338 programs, University of Arkansas's financial outcomes for Social Work trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,424 to $47,137 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Arkansas

With 72% of applicants admitted, University of Arkansas prioritizes broad access, with 27,312 students enrolled in Fayetteville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas →

Top Career Paths

Social and community service managers $78,240/yr
Social work teachers, postsecondary $76,210/yr
Social workers, all other $69,480/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Social Work at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Arkansas's Social Work program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →